Piston for internal-combustion engines



June 10, 1930. o. E. JORGENSEN PISTON FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed Dec. 7, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet l June 10, 1930. o. E. JORGENSEN PISTON FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed Dec. 7, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 avwemto'c Patented June 10, 1930 OLAVYE. JORGENSEN, FOREST HILLS, NEW YORK PISTON FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES Application filed December 7, 1927. Serial No. 238,383.

This invention relates to internal combustion engine pistons, and more particularly to liquid cooled pistons of this character. The invention is particularly adapted for engines. of Diesel or oil burning type and more particula'rly to pistons for double acting engines, such for example as the engine described and claimed in my copending application Ser. No. 238,382, filed December 7 1927, in which I described the present invention as a suitable form for use in such engine.

In pistons of this character, it is necessary, due to their relatively large size and to the great pressures and thermal strains to which they are subjected, to cool them by suitable liquid, such for example as water. Preferably, fresh water is used for this purpose; but in practice sea water is often used even in pistons designed to be cooled with fresh water. I have discovered that in numerous instances the action of-sea water on interior portions of piston units has had a very dele terious effect, and more particularly, in con nection with the piston rodthrough which the water passes, often proving the initial cause of piston rod failure. These rods are subjected to rapidly alternating stresses of great magnitude, and I attribute such failures largely to the etching action or mild corrosion caused by the cooling liquid, and more. specifically when this liquid is seawater. That such mild corrosive action, under; simi lar conditions, is detrimental to steels in general, has; been substantiated by Dr. D. J. Me- Adam, Jr., whose tests have been referred to by MnH. F. Moore in his book Manuel of the Endurance of Metals Under Repeated Stress, as follows:

With fresh water as the corroding agent thecorrosion-fatigue limit for carbon steel and ordinary alloy steels, ranges from about two;thirds to less than 15% of the endurance limit. With salt Water the corrosion-fatigue for steel is still lower.

Furthermore, pistons of this character have been quite complicated to manufacture in order to provide the necessary cooling liquid passages and chambers while at the same time providing a unitary structure which is capable of withstanding the enormous thermal and dynamic stresses to which the are subjected.

n object of this invention is to provide a piston of improved form and construction, wherein the piston rod will be free from contact with the cooling liquid.

Another object is to provide a piston of greatly simplified construction, wherein the parts are reduced to a minimum and the form of the individual parts is greatly simplified, resulting in a complete unitary structure of great strength and durability which may be easily and economically manufactured and serviced.

The invention consists in the novel features, arrangements and combination of parts embodied by way of example, in the apparatus hereinafter described, as illustrating a preferred form of the invention, and the invention will be more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Other objects, features and advantages will appear from the following specification and claims taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through a piston unit, at 1-1 of Fig; 2,

Fig. 2 is a transverse section at 2-2 of Fig.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view at 33 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 is a sectional view at 4-4 of Fig. 5,

Fig. 5 is a sectional view at 55 of Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view through a piston unit of modified form, at 66 0f Fig. 7, 5

Fig. 7 is a sectional view at 7-7 of Fig. 6,

Fig. 8 is a sectional view at 8-8 of Fig. 7

Fig. 9 is a sectional view at 99 of Fig. 10, and v Fig. 10 is a sectional view at 10-10 of Fig. 9.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, 1 represents a piston rod which is provided with a longitudinal bore 2 extending throughout the rod from one end to the other and being reduced in diameter adjacent its lower end and provided at the junction between the larger and reduced bore with a gradually rounded shoulder 3. The

shoulder 3 is smooth and so formed that it presents a very gradual and uniform reductlon'of the bore, resulting in a very gradual and uniform increase 1n cross section area of the piston rod 1; this obviating any sudden variation of area or sharply defined contour variation which would result in an abru t variation in stress loading of the'meta'h t has been found in practice that rod fractures are often coincident with abrupt variations. The upper end of the rod 1 is provided with an enlarged ortion 4 having an upper and a lower shoul er designated respectively as 5 and 6. The lower end of the rod 1 is provided with a shoulder 7 and a threaded end 8 for purposes of attaching the rod to its respective cros shead. A suitable liner 9,-pref erably formed of non-corrosive material, and in the present embodiment made of two parts in threaded engagement one with the other, is inserted within the bore 4 and supported by the shoulder 3; the outer walls of the liner being in close fitting contact -with. the inner walls of the bore 2, and the liner is held in position within the bore by suitable means such as the bronze plate 10 having an inwardly extending sleeve portion seated within a counter bore in the end of rod 1 and in interior screw-threaded enga ement with the exterior of the liner 9. T e

and the upper piston head and skirt; and each piston is provided with a cooling liquid chamber designated respectively as 13 and 14. The piston heads 11 and 12. are each provided with an incut deflector portion designated respectivelyas 11 and 12' extending substantially half-way around the piston and formed in the wall of the piston within j the running surface thereof as distinguished from being built up beyond the running surface; for the purpose as 'more specificallliy pointed out in the above referred to copen ing application. \The lower piston 11 is provided with a bore adapted to accommodate the piston rod and this bore is positioned in fitting engagement with the piston rod and the piston 11 is'in seated engagement with the lower shoulder 5 of the'enlargement 4.

The upper piston 12 is in seated engagement on the upper shoulder 6 of the enlargement 4 and ,held thereagai t by suitable means such as the studs and olts 15. j

A member 16 is positioned within the,

chamber 14 in seated engagement with the extreme upper endof the rod 1 and having an inwardly, downwardly extending peripheral: projection 17 seated within a bore on the upper end of rod 1 exteriorly of the upper 20 positioned above the adjacent its upper portion isprovided with a header space 19 and an air pocket header space, and

aninternal threaded boss in threaded and supporting engagement with a pipe 21 which extends downwardly. and is Spaced interiorly of the liner 9 andprojects a slight distance beyond thelower end of the rod '1; for pur oses to be described following, and the com ined headerand air chamber 16 is attached to the upper end of rod 1 by suitable means such as'studs 22 which pass downwardly through theenlarged portion v.4 and in threaded engagement with the lower piston 11 serving thereby to hold the piston 11 in seated engagement on the lower shoulder of the enlargement 4'. The bosses formedin shown in'Fig. 2, so that alternate spaces between these bosses are within the confines of the member 16 and the corresponding series are without the confines of the membar-16.

' The enlargement 4 is provided with a series of holes 23 extending substantially parallel to the bore within rod 1 and arranged in a spaced peripheral series in the spaces bethe member 16 for the accommodation of 7 bolts 22 are constructed and arranged as tween the bolts 22 and in alternate alignment respectively with the series .of spaces within the confines of the member 16, and withthe series of spaces without the confines of the communication at their upper ends with the.

header. space 19 and at their lower ends with the piston chamber 13; while the alternate liners 24" are in communication at their upper ends with the piston chamber 14 and at their lower ends with the pistonchamber 13.

It will therefore be seen that any liquid pass ing up through the liner 9 will flow outwardly into'the header 19, downwardly through the liners 24, into the lower piston chamber 13, upwardly through the liners 24" and into the upper chamber 14, from where it will flow through the outlet conduit 21 downwardly; and at all times, by means of the various liners above described, and cooperating structure, the liquid will be kept from contact with the piston rod. This is an extremely imp'ortant feature, as has been particularly pointed out in the said copending application above referred to. I

The piston 12 adjacent its lowerendis provided witli a peripheral shoulder 25 and the piston 11 is provided adjacent its upper end with a peripheral groove 26. Suitable bridging means such as the split sleeve 27 (Fig. 2)

i the bore and correspondingly increase theis providedwith an inwardly extending peripheral shoulder 28 in engagement with the groove 26 and its upper edge surrounding the lower end of the piston 12 and slightly spaced from shoulder 25; the split sleeve 27 being attached imposition by suitable means such as nuts and bolts and being adapted for expansion and contraction vertically and longitudinally, andhaving its outer surface normally coextensive with the outer diameters of the pistons 11 and 12, except of course for that portion 29 which as shown in the drawings is provided with the means for attaching the sleeve, which portion is recessed below the outer surface; in the present em-. bodiment the sleeve 27 being substantially coextensive in length with the enlargement 4 of the piston rod 1. Suitable piston grooves are provided in each of the pistons 11 and 12 and accommodate suitable piston rings in a manner well understood in the art. A connection 30 is attached to theend of the piston rod 1 by suitable means such as studs 31 serving the purpose of connecting the respeetive inlet and outlet passages with suitable means (such for example as that described in my copending application above referred to) for supplying and taking away the cooling liquid throu h the respective pipes 32 and 33; the interior of the member 30 being provided with a bore 34 into which the lower end 35 of the outlet pipe 21 extends with a sliding fit. It will therefore be seen that the liner 9 is secured only at its lower end and is supported with a sliding fit at its upper end allowing for substantially unrestricted longitudinal expansion and contraction and similarly the outlet pipe 21 is attached adjacent its upper end and is slidingly supported at its lower end allowing for substantially unrestricted longitudinal ex pansion and contraction.

' In Figs. '6 to 10, inclusive, is shown a modified formof piston construction which in general is quite similar to the preferred form described above; differing therefrom, however, in structural details, as will now be more particularly pointed out following.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 6 to 10, inclusive, 36 represents a piston rod which is provided with a longitudinal bore 37 extending through the rod from one end to the other, being'reduced in diameter adjacent its lower end and provided at the juncture between the larger and the reduced bore ,with a gradually rounded shoulder 38. This rounded shoulder serves to gradually reduce cross section areaof the rod 36'Jfo-r the reason above set forth. The upper end of therod36 is provided with an enlarged portion 39 having an upper anda lower shoulder designated respectively as 40 and 41 and being provided 2 with a peripheral groove 54 intermediate the shoulders 40 and 41. The lower end of the rod 36 is provided with a shoulder 42 and a threaded end 43, as in the case of the preferred embodiment and for the same purposes. A suitable liner 44, preferably formed of non-corrosive material in a manner similar to that above described in connection with the preferred embodiment, is positioned within the bore 37 in a manner similar to and for the same purpose as in the case of the preferred embodiment; and the liner 44 is held in position by suitable means, such as a bronze plate 45, in a manner similar to that described in connection with the preferred embodiment. The piston body is formed with two independent pistons 46 and 47 comprising respectively the lower piston head and skirt and the upper piston head and skirt; and each piston is provided with a cooling liquid chamber designated respectively as 48 and 49.

The piston heads 46 and 47 are each provided with an incut deflector portion designated respectively as 46 and 47 extending substantially half-way aroundithe piston and formed in the wall of the piston within the running surface thereof, in the same manner and for the same purpose as in the case of the 'end of the skirt as by means of a packing ring 51; it being understood, of course, that the plate 50, forming the inner end of the piston 46, ismerely utilized for purposes of convenience in manufacture and in order that it may be made of a different material in its preferred embodiment, but in effect is a part of the piston 46 and might, if desired, be made as an integral part therewith.

A series of hollow studs 52, preferably made of non-corrosive material, such as Monel metal, are in screw-threaded engagement with the piston 46 as at 53, being provided with shoulders in seated engagement with the inner end of the piston 46, and these studs pass through the lower part of the enlargement 39 with their' ends projecting into the peripheral groove 54 formed in the enlargement 39, and are provided respectively with nuts 55 whereby the piston 46 is firmly clamped against the shoulder 41. The upper piston 47 is heldlfirmly to the upper end of the enlarge-' ment 39, with the plate 56, preferably formed of non-corrosive material, such for example as bronze, interposed between the piston 47 and shoulder 40; the plate 56 being provided with a bore through which the upper end of the liner 44 extends, and a suitable packing ring being provided between the plate 56 and liner 44 to form a liquid tight joint therebetween in a manner similar to that described in connection with the preferred embodiment. A series of hollow studs 57, similar to the studs 52, are attached to the piston 47 in a manner described above in connection with the studs 52, and pass into the enlarged end 39, where they are engaged respectively by.

nuts 58 positioned within the peripheral groove 54, thereby providing means for securely fastening the head 47 to the upper end of the piston rod enlargement 39 in seated engagement against the upper shoulder 40. The studs 52 and 57 are peripherally spaced surrounding the bore in the piston rod and spaced therefrom, and the studs of the upper "series are in respective alignment with the tween respectively adjacent studs when the nuts 55 and 58 are screwed down on their respective studs, thereby drawing the studs inwardly to compress the nipples 61 and to form liquid-tight joints between the nipples and respective stud ends. It will therefore be seen that passages 62 are provided by the respective members 57, 6l and 62. Alternate passages 62 are in communication at their upper ends with the header 59, such passages being designated as 62', and the intervening passages 62 are in communication at their upper ends with the upper chamber 49 and being designated as 62"; and the passages 62 'and 62 are in communication at their lower ends with the lower chamber 48. It will therefore be seen that the passages 62' serve to place the header 59 in liquid communication with the chamber 48; and the passages I 62" serve to place the chamber 48 in' liquid communication with the chamber 49. A pipe 63 is supported by screw-threaded engagement with an enlargement formed in the upwardly extending dome providing the air chamber 60. The pipe 63' extends from a point adJacent the upper art of the chamber I 49 downwardly within t e liner 44 through the end of the piston rod 36 and is laterally supported at its lower end in sliding engagement with the liquid connectionmember 64 which is similar in all respects-to the corresponding member, which has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment. The tube 63 is preferably formed of non-corrosive material, such as brass, and in the present embodiment. serves as the liquid outlet; while the liner 44 serves as the liquid inlet, being suitably spaced from the liner 63 to provide the necessary passage. The member 64 is attached to suitable inlet and outlet pipes,

such as the pipes 32 and 33, referred to more,

particularly hereinbefore in connection with the preferred embodiment.

It will therefore be seen that as the cooling liquid comes in through the pipe 32, it passes through the member 64, upwardly within the liner 44, and thence into the header 59, and

downwardly through the passages 62, into the chamber 49, upwardly through the passages 62", into the chamber 49, from where it flows outwardly and downwardly through the pipes 63, into the member 64, and out through the outlet pipe 33; and that in its entire passage through the piston rod and piston, it is continuously kept out of contact with the piston rod, which as described above is of great importance. A sleeve 65 is attached to the piston body, against the-inwardly extending ends of the pistons 46 and 47 in a manner similar to that described above; the

sleeve 65 being constructed substantially identical with the sleeve 27, described more fully in connection with the preferred embodiment, and serving in the modified form a similar function to that described in connection with the preferred embodiment. It will be noted that the modified piston construction provides for longitudinal expansion of the liner 44 and pipe 63 in a manner similar to that described in connection with ferred embodiment.

It will be seen from the above that the two forms of pistons herein described are quite similar in their general characteristics, but

the prerepresent different forms of detail structure,

each of which maybe found preferable under certain conditions.

Having thus described my invention with particularity with reference to its preferred form, and having referred to one modification thereof, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art, after understanding my invention,

that various changes and other modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope ofmy invention, and I aim in the appended claims to'cover such changes and modifications as are within the scope of the invention.

'What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is za 1. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rodhaving'an enlarged'end portion providing upper and lower shoulders, a combined upper head and skirt member'rigidly attached to said upper shoulder, a combined lower head and skirt member'rigidly attached to said lower shoulder, said upper and lower members being attached to said respective shoulders near their adjacent skirt ends, and a sleeve in engagement with adjacent ends of said members and serving to close the intervening space.

2. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combinatiorr of a piston rod having an enlarged end, two independent pistons rigidly attached thereto each independently of the other in spaced relation one from the other, and means for bridging the intervening space between said pistons adjacent their outer peripheral walls.

3. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rod having an enlarged end, two independent pistons rigidly attached thereto each'independently of the other in spaced relation one from the other, and means for'bridg'ing the intervening space between said pistons adjacent their outer peripheral walls, said bridging means being substantially coextensive in leragth with the enlarged end of said piston ro 4. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rod provided with axially disposed cooling liquid inlet and outlet passages extending to the ,upper extremity of said rod in uninterrupted continuity, an upper and a lower piston carried by said rod and each having an individual liquid chamber, first conduit means extending downwardly from adjacent the upper piston and connecting the upper end of said inlet passage with said lower liquid chamber, and second conduit means extending between said pistons upwardly from said lower liquid chamber to said upper liquid chamber.

5. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rod provided with cooling liquid inlet and outlet passages, an upper and a lower piston secured to said rod and each having a liquid chamber, and means for conducting cooling liquid from said inlet passage first downwardly through said lower piston chamber and thence upwardly into said upper piston chamber for circulation into said outlet passage, said means comprising a combined liquid header and air chamber adjacent the upper and of said piston rod.

6. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a pistonrod provided with cooling liquid inlet and outlet passages, an upper and a lower piston secured to said rod and each havinga liquid chamber,

' and a liquid header positioned within the liquid chamber of said upper piston adjacent the upper end of said piston rod and in communication with said inlet passage adjacent the end thereof and being in communication with suitable means for conducting liquid from said header to one of said piston chambers.

cation with said inlet passage adjacent the end thereof and being in communication with suitable conduit means for conducting liquid from said header to one of said piston chambers, and conduit means in intercommunication between said first piston chamber to said second piston chamber.

8. In an internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rod having a longitudinal bore therein providing for the pas sage of cooling liquid through said rod, said bore extending through the upper end of said rod, a power piston secured to said rod and provided with a cooling liquid chamber, a liquid header adjacent the end of said rod in liquid communication with said passage within said rod, and a conduit for cooling liquid passing through and above said header in communication with said chamber and supported from said header and passing ownwardly within said bore free for longitudinal expansion.

9. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rod having a longitudinal bore therein providing for the passage of cooling liquid through said rod, said bore extending through the upper end of said rod, a power piston secured to said rod and provided with a cooling liquid chamber, a liquid header positioned within said chamber and secured on the end of said rod in liquid communication with said cooling passage Within said rod and extending upwardly above the normal flow of cooling liquid a distance suflicient to provide an air chamber.

10. In a double acting internalcombustion engine, the combination of a piston rod provided with cooling liquid inlet and outlet passages and having an enlarged end, an upper and a lower piston secured to the enlarged end of said rod and each having a liquid chamber, and liquid conduit means arrangedin" a series passing in an upwardly and downwardly direction through said enlarged end and in communication with said inlet and outlet passages and with said upper and lower piston chambers.

11. In a double acting internal combustlon engine, the combination of a piston rod provided with an interiorly extending bore conduit providing cooling liquid inlet and outlet passages extending *cbntinuously throughout the length of said rod, upper and lower piston cooling chambers, and conduit s means in communication with said chambers d with an interiorly extending ore forming a water passage whose walls are imperforate throughout the length of said rod,

a conduit in spaced relation within said bore and extending in an axial direction through.-

v out the length thereof, said bore and said' conduit providing cooling liquid inlet and outlet passages extending continuously throughout the length of said rod, upper and lower piston cooling chambers, conduit means in communication with said chambers and with said passages adjacent their respective upper ends, and connecting means attached under the extreme lower end of said rod for placing said passages in communication with inlet and outlet supply pipes, whereby a cooling liquid may be conducted to and from said piston cooling chambers entirely interiorly of said rod through out the length' thereof.

13. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rod. having an enlarged end havin a peripheral groove formed therein provlding two outwardly extending flanges, an upper and a lower piston, two'series of studs in respective engagementwith said pistons and passing respectively through said flanges toward each other, and nuts engaging said studs within said groove and serving toattach said pistons tosaid rod.

14. In a double, acting. internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rod having an enlarged end havin a peripheral groove formed therein providing two outwardly extendin flanges and having inlet and putlet liqui passages formed therein, an upper and a lower iston each provided with a chamber for coo 'ng liquid, two'series of hollow studs in respective engagement J and serving to attach said pistons to said with said pistons andpas'sing res ectively through said flanges toward each ot er, said studs of one series being in alignment re-' spectively with said studs of the other series, nuts engaging said studs within saidgroove rod, and sleeves between, adjacent stud ends in l1qu1d t1ght engagement therewith and forming in combination with said hollow studs means for conveyin liquid from said 1nlet passage to said cham rs.

1a. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a iston rod'havmg an inlet liquid passage ormed therein,

piston means provided with chambers .for cooling liquid, and combined attachment and conduit means attaching said piston means to said rod and providing liquid passages for the flow of cooling liquid from said inlet passage to said piston chambers.

16. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rod having" an inlet liquid passage formed therein, piston means provided with chambers for cooling liquid, combined attachment and conduit means attaching said piston means, to said rod and providing liquid passages for the flow of cooling liquid from said inlet passage to said piston chambers, and means Within said inlet passage for conducting outlet liquid from said piston means.

' 17. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of. a piston rod having an enlarged end and provided with a longitudinal bore, liner means within said bore extending throughout the length of said rod and serving-as a first conduit means and for preventing the contact of cooling liquid with said rod, second liquid conduit means in spaced position within said liner means, piston means provided with cooling chamers and carried by said rod, means partly within said enlarged end providing liquid communication between one of said conduit means said cooling chambers and the other of said conduit means and interposed between the cooling liquid flow and said rod, whereby said rod is at all times kept free-from contact with said cooling liquid.

18. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rod hav ing an enlarged end and provided with a longitudinal bore, liner means within said bore extending throughout thelength of said rod and serving as a first conduit means and for preventing the contact of cooling liquid withsaid rod, second liquid conduitmeans in spaced position within said liner means, piston means provided with cooling chambers and carried by said rod, said enlargedend being provided with upwardly extending passages exteriorly-of said bore, liner means passing through said passages in intercommunication with said chambers, and means for conductin liquid from one of said conduits to one 0% said chambers free from contact with said rod, whereby said rod is at all times kept free from contact with said cooling li'quid.

12 Ina double actihg internal combustion englne, the combination of a piston rod having an enlarged end and provided with a longitudinal bore, liner means within said bore extending throughout the length of said rod and serving as a first conduit means and for preventing the contact of cooling liquid with said rod, second liquid conduit means ,in spaced posltlon within said liner means held rigidly at one end and slidingly support ed at the other end thereby allowing for lengthwise expansion, piston means provided with cooling chambers and carried by said rod, said enlarged end being provided with upwardly and downwardly extending passages exter'iorly ofsaid bore, liner means passing through said passages in intercommunication with said chambers, and means for conducting liquid from one of said conduits to one of said chambers free from contact with said rod, whereby said rod is at all times kept free from contact with said cooling liquid.

20. In a double acting internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston rod having an enlarged end and provided with a longitudinal bore, liner means within said bore extending throu bout the length of said rod and serving as rst conduit means and for preventing the contact of'cooling liquid with said rod, said liner means being rigidly attached to said rod at one end and having its other end in sliding engagement with-a gland interposed between said rod and said liner, second liquid conduit means in spaced position within said liner means, piston means provided with cooling chambers and carried by said rod, said enlarged end being provided with upwardly and downwardly extending passages exteriorly of said bore, liner means passing through said passages in intercommunication with said chambers, and means for conducting liquid from one of said conduits to'one of said chambers free from contact with said rod, whereby said rod is at all times kept free from contact with said cooling liquid. In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

OLAV 'E. J ORGENSEN. 

